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Study calls for improved seismic monitoring

A report on investigations into the risks associated with seismic
events' in the gold-mining industry was handed over to the Minerals
and Energy Minister, Buyelwa Sonjica, stating that past mining
caused the seismic event of March last year, which killed two
mineworkers in the Klerksdorp area.

The investigation into the risks posed by seismic events in the
gold mining areas was prompted by the earthquake measuring 5,3 on
the Richter scale at DRDGold's North West operations, in the
Klerksdorp district, in which 3 200 mineworkers had to be
evacuated.

The seismic event and its aftershocks also shook the nearby town of
Stilfontein, causing serious damage to several buildings.

Dr Ray Durrheim, who headed the investigation team, told the
Minister and the assembled journalists, on Monday, that the chances
were “extremely small” that natural forces caused the
seismic event of March 9.

He also pointed out that seismic events would continue as long as
mining continued, adding that such occurrences continued even after
mining had been stopped, as they were likely to be triggered when
worked-out mines flooded.

The report recommended that seismic monitoring networks should be
improved and that monitoring should continue even after mines
closed down.

Durrheim also pointed out that seismic hazards should be taken into
account when the future use of mining land was being considered or
when any new buildings were being designed.

Speaking at a media briefing Sonjica said that her department would
study the report and that it would make a public statement in due
course. She said that safety was a key priority for the Department
of Minerals and Energy (DME) and that deaths occurring from seismic
events would only be reduced if the mining industry had an
early-warning system in place. But while the technology was being
prepared, Sonjica said that mining companies had to focus on their
safety awareness programmes. The DME would also ensure that miners
comply with the recommendations of the report, she said.